THE dramatic story of a fishing lugger's voyage from Cornwall to Australia in the 19th century is to be made into a film.

Production is about to start on the film, which is being made possible thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Mystery set sail from Newlyn with seven Cornish fishermen onboard in 1854.

The voyage was recently recreated by adventurer Pete Goss and his team who followed in the original crew's footsteps onboard the replica Spirit of Mystery.

Partnership

The film, which will dramatise events leading up to the original crossing, is being made by Collective Arts Ltd, formerly the Cornish Theatre Collective, in partnership with the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth.

Producer Jason Squibb, from Falmouth, explained the reasons behind the film: "I've been performing Voyage of the Mystery, as a one-man show, for the education department of the maritime museum for a couple of years and find the story fascinating.

"The schoolchildren who watch it are intrigued with the story, the characters and this epic journey to the other side of the world.

"When Pete Goss came to Falmouth, before embarking on his own voyage to Australia, there was such a great interest in everything Mystery related, I thought it would be great to mark both of these voyages with a lasting legacy – and what better way to do that than film."

The project has won support from various sources, including Cornwall Playing for Success, Azook, Penlee House in Penzance, and Pete Goss and his team.

The film will also prove an invaluable resource for local schools with the tale described as a story of "perseverance, ambition and teamwork," by Cassie Williams, deputy head teacher of St Ives Infant School.

Working alongside the Collective Arts professional team of actors and technicians will be students from Truro College's media department and community performers from Penryn Community Theatre.

Local playwright Pauline Sheppard will write the film and director James Ellwood will be on hand to guide all involved.

Heritage

The film is expected to be shot in Cornwall at the end of March and will be distributed shortly after.

Nerys Watts, HLF's head of region for the South West, said: "The South West as a whole has a wonderful maritime heritage illustrated so fittingly by this story of fortitude and endurance. We are delighted to be able to support this fascinating project, which will ensure that the achievements of those who sailed in the Mystery over 150 years ago can be understood and appreciated by the young people of today."